In what has long been considered one of the most clutch performances in NHRA’s long history, Tony Schumacher wrapped up the 2006 Top Fuel dragster championship on the last run of the season at Auto Club Raceway at the Fairplex in Pomona.

Thanks to the 20 extra points for establishing a new elapsed time record — 4.428 seconds at 327.98 mph — and points for winning the season finale at the Auto Club Finals, Schumacher won the title by 14 points over Doug Kalitta, who at one point in the season had a lead of more than 336 points.

“The Run,” as Schumacher’s effort has been called, was labeled as “the most dramatic, most incredible, most unbelievable finish to any season in the 60-year history of NHRA” by the sanctioning body.

“I probably felt better today than I ever had in my life because the pressure was so high that it was too much to even comprehend,” Schumacher said after the event. “I don’t know that there’s ever been a single pass in drag racing where so much was on the line in one round. To win it like this is unreal.

“It’s beyond anything that you can ever dream up.”

However, it’s doubtful another such dramatic run will ever be repeated. The NHRA announced this week “that the longstanding one-percent back-up policy to certify national record performances … will no longer be required” in the Mello Yello Series, Pro Mod or Lucas Oil Series alcohol categories. Additionally, points will no longer be awarded for record runs.

“The one-percent policy was adopted during the early development stages of the timing system and wasn’t as reliable as the technology that we are fortunate to have in race control today,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We will still examine every national record run to make sure the incremental numbers support the performance, in addition to inspecting every vehicle for compliance with class requirements.”

NHRA will wait until the end of the national event before recognizing a record effort.

The current Top Fuel records are 3.680 seconds, set by Antron Brown, and 332.75 mph by Spencer Massey, also in Brainerd, Minn., last August.

The Funny Car marks were established in October at Pomona — 3.884 by Jack Beckman and 331.45 mph by Matt Hagan.

Jason Line has the Pro Stock ET mark at 6.455 set in Charlotte in March, with Erica Enders holding the speed mark of 215.55 set in May in Englishtown, N.J.

“If they still had the points, I would be worried because anybody could go out there and get lucky and make a Hail Mary run and set the record,” said Enders, who’ll open defense of her championship next month at the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona. “If you’re awarded 20 points for that with no backup, that wouldn’t be cool, but since they took the points away, I guess it doesn’t really matter.

“It’s just straight up for bragging rights.”

The rule change will eliminate doubts for the fans.

“It was kind of a surprising move by NHRA but a pretty exciting one, too,” said Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton, whose 3.695 run is third-quickest in NHRA history. “It was very confusing for a lot of people, as far as backing up within that one percent.

“Having said that, I drive one of the cars in Top Fuel that can swing for the fence, and if it sticks we have a pretty good chance of setting one of those national records.”

Honor for Richter

Les Richter, the former NFL all-pro who played a major role in establishing NASCAR in Southern California at Riverside and Fontana, died in 2010 but has never been forgotten. Nor will he.

“Les Richter was synonymous with West Coast motorsports, somewhat ironic for a man who became famous for playing football. His stature was larger than life and he stood as one of the most prestigious and prominent men in motorsports,” said Dave Allen, president of Auto Club Speedway. “With that in mind, it is Auto Club Speedway’s honor to put his name on this fantastic club called Richter’s!

“It’s our way of continuing his legacy and remembering the man that impacted so many in our sport.”

Before being appointed as a vice president at the Fontana facility by Roger Penske, Richter was in charge of Riverside International Raceway before moving into various administrative roles for NASCAR, including laying the groundwork for the inaugural race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

According to Greg Penske, the track’s first president, Richter “did everything that was needed to get this project off the ground.”

“Richter’s!” is designed to be “an exclusive, high-end private club which will provide its 60-80 members the ultimate business and entertainment environment” year-round. The décor will feature racing memorabilia and historical photos of the track, which opened in 1997.

Designed to be the track’s marquee club, it will offer “unique dining experience on race-day, offering all-inclusive upscale food and beverage in a high-class pit road setting (with) incredible views overlooking the start finish line.”

For the March 18-20 NASCAR weekend, club members will have access to the club for both Xfinity Series and Sprint Cup Series races; a VIP race experience including a garage tour, Toyota pace car ride, access to the Sprint Cup driver’s meeting, access to driver introductions and a victory Lane photo with the Sprint Cup winner.

Furthermore, Richter’s members will also be entitled to hot garage access, breakfast with Allen, a starter stand photo and commemorative hard card credentials.

Pit stops

• Like all stock car racing fans, this corner is in mourning over the recent passing of announcer Barney Hall this week at age 83. Unlike the South or Midwest, catching a NASCAR broadcast on local radio wasn’t always available in this area for races outside of Riverside, Ontario or Fontana.

For many years, Hall was a companion on trips to the East, timed to coincide with Sunday Cup races. Hall had a tremendous knowledge of the sport and its competitors, plus a soothing tone. You don’t last as long as he did behind the microphone without the talent he constantly displayed.

How we in Southern California feel about Vin Scully is how motor racing fans felt about Hall.

• Judy Stropus as been named winner of the 2015 Bob Akin Award from the Road Racing Drivers Club. Stropus is a former driver, professional timer/scorer and award-winning publicist. Additionally, Scott Pruett, who has recorded 60 victories in IMSA competition, was honored by the group with the Phil Hill Award for outstanding service to road racing.

Lou Brewster is a nationally recognized motorsports journalist who has staffed NASCAR and NHRA events since 1969. Has also staffed high school football, in five different states, since 1967. Has won several national awards in writing and breaking news.

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